Ketchikan, Alaska

Welcome to the salmon capital of the world! Ketchikan’s population of 14,500 people swells every summer with throngs of naturalists, sports fishermen and regular tourists.

Ketchikan is situated on Revillagigedo Island’s western coast, down towards the southernmost border of Alaska. Water plays an important part in Ketchikan’s livelihood, which is readily apparent to visitors who walk around portions of the town which are constructed over water and supported by springs!

For cruise goers heading north, Ketchikan is the first port-of-call. Summer temperatures usually hover in the upper 50s and low 60s, and winter temperatures are usually in the low 30s. Bring a raincoat for sure – the town gets over 160 inches of rain every year.

Depending upon how much time you have in Ketchikan, there are a large variety of activities and sights in the area. Visitors around for only one day will want to explore the historic downtown area including the Dolly’s House Museum and the Tongass Historical Museum. Those with a little more time on their hands will enjoy Misty Fjords National Monument and Rotary Beach, two highly popular sites. For a more off-beat adventure, board a floatplane and travel with it to outlying communities to deliver mail and packages.

Whatever you decide to do in Ketchikan, be sure to keep a close eye out for the local wildlife, as it’s everywhere!

10 miles north of Ketchikan is Totem Bright State Park, a beautiful rainforest and impressive collection of Totem Poles. The Totem Poles represent the region’s native heritage, and they are covered with symbols of spirits, animals and people which are intended to impart a message to viewers. Saxman Native Village is also nearby.

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